Fiberoptic endoscopy is performed in order to evaluate areas of the head and neck that is not otherwise able to be visualized. Whereas CT and MRI scans provide internal body information, they provide only static pictures (a single snapshot in a single moment in time) and not function (how things move or work over a continuous period of time).
These exams are performed without any sedation and are easily tolerated by patients as young as 5 years of age with their full cooperation (watch video below). Prior to examination, the nose is decongested and anesthetized with a nasal spray. Familiarize yourself with orientation and anatomy first (Figure Orientation below the videos) before checking out the various flexible endoscopies performed of the upper airway. Seeing the various image & light quality differences among different endoscopes in use today (rigid, fiberoptic, digital chip-on-tip) can be found here.

There is ONE circumstance where trans-nasal endoscopy may be performed under sedation and that's when investigating causes of a person's snore. This procedure is known as sleep or sedated endoscopy.

Figure 1:Fiberoptic Nasal Endoscopy (used to visualize internal nasal and sinus anatomy). This procedure is also called rhinoscopy. This procedure is often performed when investigating problems dealing with sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergies, nasal obstruction, etc.

Related Articles Readers Have Viewed

Any information provided on this website should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment. Advertisements present are clearly labelled and in no way support the website or influence the contents.